Book Description

Story-telling is one of the great enchantments of life. Pacifica: Myth, Magic and Traditional Wisdom from the South Sea Islands brings us the tales told by the people of the Pacific Islands. Stories of mystery, of everyday magic, and of the powering force of myth. The existence of myth, of traditional wisdom, in any part of the world is our most precious heritage. Myth was the creative act of the Pacific people. It was so powerful and meaningful, and so in tune with their natural environment, that it profoundly affected every stage of their life. Here, amid settings of astounding natural beauty, many people still live traditional lives and still remember, even live by, the myths that have guided their past. In spite of its great geographical age and its ancient traditional past, the South Pacific is also the 'new world', the world of promise, of the future. It is a place experiencing great change. Some of these changes will bring new life and energy to the people of the Pacific. Some will bring a deep sense of loss to them, and indirectly to all of us. All through the Pacific there is a new awareness of a world being lost. The Pacific people are fighting to preserve and renew their traditional past, celebrated in this book in a feast of stories and stunning photographs. Nadine Amadio and John Tristram, with Juniper Films, spent two years filming in the islands of the South Pacific, gathering the stories and images presented here and in the television series Pacifica: Tales from the South Seas. Both book and series pay magnificent tribute to the rich and fascinating heritage of the Pacific people.